| City of Arvada Recognizes Clerk and Recorder, Elections Staff |
 Contributed by Josh Liss, Jefferson County Deputy Clerk of Elections
In a ceremony held during the regular session of the Arvada City Council Monday night, the Mayor and City Council adopted a resolution recognizing Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder Pam Anderson and her staff for the successful conduct of the 2008 General Election and efforts over the past year in maintaining the integrity of the election process for the voters of Jefferson County and the State of Colorado.
"It was truly an honor to be recognized by the City of Arvada for our efforts over the past year," said Anderson. "It is a tribute to the hard work, dedication and professionalism of our staff," she added.
In addition to the successful conduct of two elections in 2008, the Clerk and Recorder's Office implemented several new initiatives benefiting the voters of Jefferson County, including:
- The successful local implementation of a new statewide voter registration system;
- A shift in policy to provide voters with an option for a paper ballot by mail OR in the precinct-polling place;
- A new online Election Night Reporting System that provides detailed precinct-reporting, turnout and vote-type information, maps, and downloadable reports;
- An online voter registration look-up with polling place locations, sample ballot printing and a very useful mail ballot tracking function;
- A voter education and outreach program that provided tours of the physical elections facilities, voter information and registration booths at more than a dozen festivals or forums, and election "road-show" engagements to civics and school groups.
Pam Anderson also represented the citizens of Jefferson County by serving as co-chair of the Colorado County Clerks Association Legislative Committee and worked closely with the General Assembly, the Governor's Office, the Office of the Secretary of State and the Colorado Municipal League on legislation to recertify existing voting equipment and oppose legislation that would require further unfunded mandates in the conduct of elections. Anderson plans to continue her service as co-chair of this committee in 2009 and is dedicated to protecting the integrity of elections in the State of Colorado.
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| Jefferson County Recognized for Public Health Emergency Preparedness |
 Contributed by Nancy Braden, Jefferson County Public Health Communications Coordinator
Bioterrorism, infectious disease outbreaks, environmental hazards and natural disasters are all very real public health threats that local public health agencies work to prepare for and respond to across the United States. In Colorado, that planning and response has earned the Jefferson County Department of Health and Environment national recognition as "Public Health Ready" by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
The JCDHE Emergency Preparedness and Response Program will be officially recognized for its ability to respond to public health emergencies at a ceremony on February 19, 2008, at the 2009 Preparedness Summit in San Diego, CA.
"This recognition goes to all of our staff who have worked diligently training, planning, collaborating and improving our ability to respond quickly and efficiently to any public health crisis in Jefferson County," said Jody Erwin, JCDHE Emergency Preparedness Program Coordinator.
To earn the exemplary preparedness status, the JCDHE Emergency Preparedness Program underwent reviews by Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Project Public Health Ready Oversight Council and Review Committee. JCDHE's Emergency Preparedness Program demonstrated excellence in three key areas: planning for emergency preparedness, developing a competent workforce, and conducting exercises that simulate emergencies and give communities a chance to practice and evaluate their response.
Project Public Health Ready was developed by NACCHO with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a competency training and recognition program for excellence in local public health preparedness. In Colorado the project is accomplished through a partnership with NACCHO and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. There are approximately 3,000 local health departments in the United States and thus far less than 150 have been recognized as "Public Health Ready."
Mark Johnson, M.D., JCDHE Executive Director said, "We are pleased to be recognized as a leader in public health emergency preparedness and we remain committed to improving our ability to respond quickly and efficiently. We also are fully aware that our success in protecting the health and safety of our community during a public health emergency depends ultimately on the actions of our residents, businesses and community partners, and their advanced planning and cooperation with authorities during an emergency. We appreciate the efforts of all of our citizens who have packed home emergency kits, developed home or business emergency plans and placed a renewed emphasis on practicing healthy personal behaviors. We encourage everyone in Jefferson County to take the lead and prepare for public health emergencies."
For more information on JCDHE Emergency Preparedness please call:
- Jody Erwin, MAS, REHS, JCDHE Emergency Response Coordinator at 303-271-8391 or jerwin@jeffco.us or
- Jesse Weaver, Emergency Preparedness Planner 303-271-8394 jweaver@jeffco.us
For more information on the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's Emergency Preparedness and Response Division and PPHR please contact:
For more information or to register for the 2009 Public Health Preparedness Conference, please visit www.phprep.org/2009
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| State Highway 58 Interchange Improvement Project Opens |
 The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) along with officials from Jefferson County and the City of Wheat Ridge celebrated the completion of the I-70/State Highway (SH) 58 interchange improvement project on Friday, December 12. The celebration took place on the new flyover from eastbound I-70 to westbound SH 58, the last ramp to be completed as part of this project. The new ramp opened for traffic for the first time later that day.
"This interchange improvement project will greatly improve safety, mobility and access for commuters and members of this community," said CDOT Chief Engineer Pam Hutton. "In a time where large transportation improvements projects are scarce, it is important that we highlight this success and the many benefits the project brings to Colorado's transportation system."
In all, the project constructed, reconstructed or realigned five ramps in order to improve access, safety and the flow of traffic at this interchange:
- A new ramp from eastbound I-70 to westbound SH 58 was constructed;
- A new ramp from eastbound SH 58 to westbound I-70 was constructed;
- The existing ramp from eastbound SH 58 to eastbound I-70 was realigned and reconstructed without replacing the existing bridge;
- The existing ramp from westbound I-70 to SH 58 was realigned and reconstructed;
- The existing ramp from Youngfield Street to eastbound I-70 was relocated approximately ¼ mile to the south to accommodate a longer acceleration lane.
The original interchange at I-70 and SH 58 was constructed in 1968 and has since been operating without the ramps from eastbound I-70 to westbound SH 58 and from eastbound SH 58 to westbound I-70.
"The missing ramps have been a priority of the county for more than 20 years," said Jefferson County Commissioner Kevin McCasky. "They figured prominently on Jeffco's Countywide Transportation Plan completed in the 1990s and in all transportation plans since that time."
By constructing the missing ramps, the project reduces the traffic on local arterials such as Youngfield Street, Ward Road, 32nd Avenue, and Kipling Street. By reducing the traffic, mobility and safety will be improved as queues at the I-70 ramps will not form, traffic will flow more smoothly and traffic accidents will be reduced.
The realignment of three ramps is also critical to the safety at this interchange as the original ramps were also constructed in 1968 under old design standards. The realignment brings each ramp up to current design standards, making the ramps safer for the traveling public.
The $33 million project was funded through a variety of sources, including $9.4 million in federal earmarks, $10 million from Jefferson County and $13.6 million in federal and state dollars. The City of Wheat Ridge funded the $7 million 40th Avenue underpass project that was completed simultaneously to expedite construction by using the same contractor, Ames Construction, Inc.
"The flyover bridge symbolizes the progress that has been made through regional collaboration between local, county, state and federal officials," said City of Wheat Ridge Mayor Jerry DiTullio. "This new flyover would not have been possible without the foresight of the entities involved and their commitment to enhancing accessibility for motorists through this corridor."
The interchange improvement project began in February 2007 and was completed nearly three months ahead of schedule.
Photo courtesy of Dressel-Martin Mediaworks |
| The Jefferson County Workforce Center offers Educational Series for Businesses |
 Contributed by Kris Kinzli, Marketing Coordinator, Jefferson County Workforce Center
Learn about the latest workforce trends facing your workforce regardless of the size of your company. Our professional presenters will inspire and refresh you with valuable, up-to-date information while you enjoy breakfast.
The first workshop in the series, Understanding Generational Differences in the Workplace, will be held Tuesday, January 13, 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at the Table Mountain Inn in Golden.
Come and learn about the new cultural challenges organizations are facing and the introduction of another generation in the workplace. This workshop will focus on the inherent challenges of a multigenerational workforce and how generational differences in the workplace impact communication, performance feedback and how work gets done. Speakers are Myrna Ann Adkins, President of Spring Institute, and Rachel Skanson, Director of Intercultural Services at Spring Institute. Register and join us; $25 includes breakfast and inspiration. Seating is limited, so register online today at www.regonline.com/getrefreshed. For more information, visit the Jefferson County Workforce Web site or call 303-271-4601. |
| Jeffco Public Calendar |
 The new, combined Jeffco Public Meeting Calendar was developed to make it easier for citizens to identify public meetings taking place in Jefferson County by placing meetings and events on one Internet-accessible calendar. The purpose of posting meetings to the Public Meeting Calendar is to inform as many citizens as possible so they can attend those relevant to them. By attending meetings, citizens can have greater insight into county operations and will be able to actively participate in identifying county priorities and to contribute to decisions that touch their daily lives made by county officials. Attending meetings is a great way to learn more about county operations and actively participate in your local government. The Public Meeting Calendar is color-coded so you can easily find the types of meetings and items that interest you - whether a County Commissioner hearing, a community meeting with Planning & Zoning or a deadline for the Elections department. Just click on the link within the box to read more about a meeting. Our Public Meeting Calendar allows you to view:
- Current and past meetings and important dates
- Planning & Zoning Comprehensive Master Plan, community meetings, and Planning Commission hearings
- Open Space Advisory Committee public meetings
- Town Hall meetings
- Community Development Board Meetings
- County holidays and building closures
Don't forget to check back often for new meetings and updates! More will be added in the coming months.
Get involved! To view this month's current public meetings and important dates select the link above or click on the "Public Meeting Calendar" graphic on the right side of the Jefferson County Web site home page.
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| Jefferson County Health Department Updates |
 Contributed by Nancy Braden, Jefferson County Public Health Communications Coordinator Tips for Success with 2009 New Year's Resolutions
Across the country, millions have resolved or are in the process of resolving to make changes towards improving their health in 2009. Whether it is getting more exercise, quitting smoking, losing weight, watching less TV, spending more time with family or adopting a new health behavior, it can all be easier with a few strategies learned from behavior change specialists. Jefferson County Department of Health and Environment (JCDHE) wishes everyone success in achieving their 2009 resolutions and offers these tips for making behavior change a little easier.
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Plan ahead: Don't be hasty and wait until the last minute to make your resolution. Develop a plan with clear steps and make it meaningful well before the New Year arrives. This will also give you time to find helpful resources.
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Keep your goals within reach: Avoid an "all or nothing" mentality that can trigger slips or binges. For example, resolving to never eat your favorite desserts could be a bad choice. Strive for a goal that is attainable.
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Record your progress: Keep track of each small step you make toward reaching your goal. Short-term goals are easier to keep, and small accomplishments will help keep you motivated along the way.
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Reward yourself: Celebrate your success by treating yourself to something that you enjoy or something that relates to your goal. For instance, if you are trying to increase physical activity, reward yourself by purchasing a new pair of tennis shoes.
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Spread the word: Research suggests that goals are more sustainable with positive support. Keep friends and family members apprised of your goals for extra motivation and encouragement along the way.
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Don't beat yourself up: Worrying about the occasional slip will not help you achieve your goal. Do the best you can and take each day one at a time.
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Stick to it: Experts say it takes about 21 days for a new activity, such as exercising, to become a habit, and 6 months for it to become part of your personality.
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Keep trying: If your resolution has run out of momentum, start over again! There's no reason you can't make a New Year's Resolution any time of year.
There are many resources to support you in your efforts:
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If you committed to quitting tobacco this New Year, you can get free tips, tools and coaching through the Colorado Quitline 1(800) QUIT NOW or Web site. -
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Prevent Cervical and Breast Cancer
January is National Cervical Cancer Screening Month and the Jefferson County Department of Health and Environment (JCDHE) reminds women to schedule a breast and cervical health screening. Cancer screenings and early detection saves lives.
The screening test for cancer of the cervix is called a pap smear, it can detect changes in the cervix that might lead to cancer. If cancer is found, the Pap test can find it early when it is easier to treat. Unfortunately, despite its availability and success in reducing deaths from cancer, too many women neglect to take advantage of this life-saving screening. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be approximately 11,070 new cases of invasive cervical cancer in the United States in 2009 and that approximately 3,870 women will die from the disease.
Young women should also consult with their health care provider and consider being vaccinated against the human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV infection can lead to cervical cancer. In June 2006, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended the first vaccine to prevent cervical cancer and other diseases in females caused by certain types of genital human papilloma virus (HPV). The vaccine is recommended for 11 to 26-year-old women, and can be given to girls as young as 9. Ideally, females should receive the vaccine before they are sexually active. It is important to realize that the HPV vaccine doesn't protect against all cancer-causing types of HPV, so Pap tests are still necessary even if vaccinated.
In addition to cervical cancer, breast cancer affects thousands of women each year and can be successfully treated if detected early. The screening for breast cancer is called a mammogram.
Regular Breast and Cervical Health Screenings are important:
- All women should be screened for cervical cancer about 3 years after they start having sexual intercourse. Screenings should start by the time a woman is 21 years old, regardless of sexual activity. Women should be screened every year with a Pap test.
- All women should have a mammogram every year beginning at age 40.
JCDHE's Cancer Control Program (funded partially by the Colorado Women's Cancer Control Initiative) offers free clinical breast exams, mammograms, pelvic exams and Pap tests to women with limited income and limited or no insurance. To qualify for JCDHEs free cancer screenings women must:
- Not be on Medicaid
- Not have health insurance that will pay for a mammogram
- Have not had a mammogram or pap test in the past year
- Meet certain financial criteria (determined when appointment is being scheduled)
- Be 40 years of age or older (Women under age 40 may be eligible for low cost pap smears through our Family Planning Program)
Call 303-239-7078 to schedule an appointment at the Arvada or Lakewood clinics. For more information about breast and cervical cancers or to see if you qualify, please call the JCDHE Cancer Control Coalition Coordinator at 303-239-7044.
Eat Smarter, Move More
January is as good a month as any to start paying a little more attention to what you eat and how much you move. If we want to live longer and live healthier we have to start making healthier choices, especially around what and how much we eat.
Physical activity burns calories. When you burn more calories than you eat each day, you will take off pounds. You can also avoid gaining weight by balancing the number of calories you burn with the number of calories you eat. Regular physical activity may also help prevent or delay the onset of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and even colon cancer. Regular physical activity may also increase your energy and boost your mood.
As far as eating healthy goes, include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet as much as possible. Fruits and vegetables tend to be filled with important fibers and valuable nutrients and they are low in calories and in fat.
This winter, try and make physical activity and healthy eating a priority! For more information on public health in Jefferson County, please visit our JCDHE Web site or call us at 303-232-6301.
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Working with the cities of Arvada, Golden, Lakewood and Wheat Ridge, Jefferson County Community Development, applied for and received an estimated award of $6.01 million in Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds from the State of Colorado. The funds will provide emergency assistance from the Federal Government to communities with the highest foreclosure rates for the purchase and redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed properties.
Contributed by Nancy Braden, Jefferson County Public Health Communications Coordinator